Homemade Croutons Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Homemade Croutons are crisp, golden, and packed with flavor—far superior to store-bought versions. They’re incredibly easy to make and a fantastic way to use up leftover bread. Perfect for topping salads, soups, or snacking straight from the pan, these crunchy bites add texture and taste to any dish.

ingredients

this Recipe

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

day-old bread (French, sourdough, or sandwich bread)
olive oil or melted butter
garlic powder
salt
black pepper
dried herbs (such as thyme, oregano, parsley, or Italian seasoning)
optional: grated Parmesan cheese

directions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Cut the bread into cubes—about ½ to ¾ inch in size.

In a large bowl, toss the bread cubes with olive oil or melted butter until evenly coated.

Sprinkle with garlic powder, salt, pepper, and herbs of your choice. Add Parmesan if using.

Spread the cubes in a single layer on the baking sheet.

Bake for 12–18 minutes, tossing halfway through, until golden brown and crisp.

Let cool completely before serving or storing.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields about 4 cups of croutons.
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Baking time: 12–18 minutes
Total time: 25–30 minutes

Variations

Use rye or multigrain bread for different flavor profiles.
Add smoked paprika or chili flakes for a spicy twist.
Use butter for a richer flavor, or a mix of butter and oil.
Try fresh minced garlic for a more intense garlic flavor.

storage/reheating

Store cooled croutons in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
To re-crisp, bake at 300°F (150°C) for 5–7 minutes.
Freeze for up to 1 month and bake from frozen to refresh.

FAQs

What’s the best bread for croutons?
Day-old French, sourdough, or rustic bread works best for texture and flavor.

Do I need to remove the crust?
No, crust adds extra texture, but you can remove it for a softer crunch.

Can I use fresh bread?
Yes, but it may take longer to crisp. Toast lightly before cubing for better results.

Can I make them gluten-free?
Yes, use your favorite gluten-free bread.

Can I use other seasonings?
Absolutely—try Cajun, ranch, or curry powder for unique flavors.

Are croutons just for salad?
No, they’re great in soups, stuffing, or as a crunchy snack.

Why did my croutons turn out soft?
They may not have baked long enough or were overcrowded on the pan.

Can I make croutons in a skillet?
Yes, toast them in a pan over medium heat, stirring often until crisp.

Can I make sweet croutons?
Yes, toss with melted butter, cinnamon, and sugar for dessert-style croutons.

How do I keep them crunchy?
Cool completely before storing in an airtight container.

Conclusion

Homemade Croutons are an easy and delicious upgrade to your everyday meals. With simple ingredients and quick prep, you can create crunchy, customizable croutons that elevate salads, soups, and more. Once you make them yourself, you’ll never go back to the store-bought kind.

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